The Latest Breaking News from Folkestone

In 1885, Folkestone built a cliff railway powered by water and gravity; it carried 36.4 million passengers before closing after 132 years

Discover the remarkable Leas Lift in Folkestone, Kent, a historic water-powered funicular railway built in 1885. Using gravity and water instead of engines, the Victorian cliff railway carried 36.4 million passengers over 132 years before closing in 2017. Explore the ingenious engineering behind this energy-efficient transport system, its Grade II…

The Economic Times · Sep 23

Two arrested after fire at Folkestone’s Grand Burstin Hotel

A 38-year-old man and 21-year-old woman, both from the local area, were arrested in connection with the incident on Sunday

The Independent UK · Sep 21

'It Was Horrifying': 280 Evacuated in Suspicious Folkestone Hotel Fire as 90 Neighbours Forced Out Over Structural Fears

About 280 people were evacuated from the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone after a severe basement fire, while 90 nearby residents were relocated amid structural safety concerns.

International Business Times UK · Sep 20

I live in Folkestone – here are the seven heatwave habits Brits deserve to be fined for

COMMENT: An Italian village is set to charge tourists €200 for swanning around topless or in swimwear. Perhaps we should do the same, writes Helen Coffey – who has some ideas for other unacceptable sunshine behaviour while we’re at it

The Independent UK · Jul 8

The promising seaside hotspots for wannabe London commuters

Longing to be a beach bum but still need to commute? There’s a coastal dream for every Londoner, from artsy hipsters to bargaining first-time buyers

Evening Standard · Jul 1

This seaside town in Kent has hit the halfway mark in a huge £22m regeneration project

The development includes reworking a bus station into a new green space

The Independent UK · Feb 27

UK’s first military barracks housing asylum seekers closes after six years

Napier barracks in Folkestone faced multiple problems, from far-right protests to damning ruling over safeguarding issues

The Guardian - UK · Dec 18, 2025

Tommy Robinson cleared of terror-related offence over phone code refusal

Defence argued police engaged in ‘fishing expedition’ when they stopped far-right activist in Folkestone in July 2024

The Guardian - UK · Nov 4, 2025

Inequality and despair bolster Reform UK in Kent

Letters: Cllr Teresa Murray on how the Reform-run council in Kent is driving hostility towards asylum seekers and dismantling public services. Plus letters from Peter Riddle and Paul Kane

The Guardian - UK · Oct 2, 2025

Scottish star Nina Nesbitt surprises local Kent venue with secret set

Singer-songwriter turned up to perform at The Music Workshop in Folkestone to show her support for grassroots music venues

The Independent UK · Sep 12, 2025